dumpy

¹ American  

[duhm-pee] / ˈdʌm pi /

adjective

dumpier, dumpiest

1. dumpish; dejected; sulky.

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dumpy ² American  

[duhm-pee] / ˈdʌm pi /

adjective

dumpier, dumpiest

1. short and stout; squat.

   a dumpy figure.

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dumpy ¹ British  

/ ˈdʌmpɪ /

adjective

1. short and plump; squat

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dumpy ² British  

/ ˈdʌmpɪ, ˈdʌmpɪʃ /

adjective

1. rare in low spirits; depressed; morose

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Other Word Forms

• dumpily
  adverb
• dumpiness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of dumpy¹

First recorded in 1610–20; dump(s) + -y ¹

Origin of dumpy²

First recorded in 1740–50; perhaps akin to dumpling

Example Sentences

They found that the cells in the fruit fly's tracheal system are connected to the extracellular matrix by the proteins Dumpy and Piopio.

From Science Daily • Oct. 25, 2023

Or La Dumpy, the official stylist for the “Homiegirls” whose specialty is “fierce Aquanet hair with that wet look, and Sharpie eyeliner” and deep red lipstick lined with black.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 6, 2022

There’s also a rare-breed farm populated by Scots Dumpy hens and Tamworth pigs.

From Washington Post • Nov. 1, 2021

She talked about the relationship he had with the man he adoringly called Dumpy, and how it fuels his vision to maintain his grandfather’s name along with the PGA Tour event that bears it.

From Golf Digest • Mar. 17, 2017

Incorrect: Dumpy and overweight, the vet says our dog needs more exercise.

From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner